Bcb,
We love working with 2+2 students. Here's why: it's not only a potentially great chance to get into HBS (and while 2+2 is very competitive, it's not the same as the gauntlet we just saw with Rd 1 this year), but it's also such a valuable building block experience. You get to really push on your career goals and what you want out of the next 10 yeas NOW, rather than go through the motions doing something for two or four or six years.
Many have offered the opinion that HBS has this program simply to rake students away from Harvard Law, the Kennedy School, and other grad programs that go after immediate college graduates. I always felt like the real reason is because they love asking young, talented people to start thinking about this stuff. And the fact that they have opened things up to those with business backgrounds is further proof that it's not just a "steal HLS students" gambit.
Okay, enough about that. Your candidacy looks good on paper. GMAT score is where it need to be to get full consideration. Great GPA. Fantastic experience for such a young age. Leadership. I mean, you have all you could hope to have at this point in your life.
So what will be the X factor? Simply this: why do you even *need* the program? Surely you can go take a great post-college job, put in 3 years in a rotational program, and then go to a top b-school the traditional way. Why do you need HBS 2+2 to open a particular door or to expand a particular horizon or teach you something truly unique? The answer to that question - and I'm betting you have one, or at least the germ of one - is where you start to build your case. If you can convince HBS that you are not only ready to do great things, that you are amazing, etc., but ALSO that this particular path gives you your best chance to reach your potential, then you really have something going.
In short: I think your chances are a bit better than average based on what you posted above. Your chances could go to a lot better than average if you craft your story perfectly.
Good luck. PM me or email us at
mba@amerasiaconsulting.com if you would like a free consultation and/or would like to work with us on your 2+2 app. I think we could get you over the top. I really do.
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti